Man Who Allegedly Beat Dog to Death Appears in Justice Court – Read What He Did [WATCH] [DOCUMENT]

21 year-old Jesse Durham appeared in Missoula Justice Court on Wednesday accused of beating the family dog so severely that she had to be euthanized.

Durham appeared via video from the Missoula County Jail wearing a vest specially designed to keep him from harming himself. He is charged with felony cruelty to animals, along with misdemeanor counts of partner or family member assault, criminal mischief, and obstructing a peace officer.

"The state would like to have it known that it is supportive of figuring out a release plan for this case," Koepke said. "Should he be released, we ask that he immediately be placed in pre-trial supervision with GPS and alcohol and drug monitoring. He should also have no contact with animals."

"Your honor, this defendant has some issues that we're looking into getting evaluated. He has no criminal history, but this was a very violent and scary offense. He was living with the victim at the time, so he really cannot go home without some sort of plan in place," she said.

Judge Orzech placed Durham back in the jail on $25,000 bond. He is being screened to receive treatment for his drug and mental health problems.

According to court documents, the dog, a 15 year-old female German Shepherd cross, was beaten so badly, she suffered a broken neck and fractured skull from blows by a blunt instrument. She was found, barely alive, bleeding in a dumpster near the residence at the Crestview apartments.

Court documents also state Durham had ingested alcohol, mushrooms and cocaine before the incident which occurred on Monday. He fled from officers and had to be apprehended before his arrest.